Our skin is our biggest organ and unlike other organs, it’s on display for everyone to see.
Unfortunately, there are tons of threats our skin faces every day.
Everything from the sun, oil, dirt, and even the food we eat can damage our skin.
And one of the best ways to take care of our skin is through microneedling.
Microneedling encourages collagen production which is like gold for our skin.
But how do you take care of your skin after a microneedling procedure? Let’s find out.
Why Microneedling Is Awesome
Microneedling is a procedure that involves pricking the skin with lots of small needles.
Don’t worry it’s not painful, but it generates new collagen and skin cells that result in firmer, smoother, and more even-toned skin.
It’s mainly used on the face to treat wrinkles, spots, and scars.
It’s also safe and convenient.
The entire process takes less than two hours and after that, you can kiss your skin problems goodbye.
What more can you ask for?
What To Do After Microneedling
But what should I prioritize after completing the microneedling procedure?
There are three things you must prioritize and these include;
- Keep your skin clean
- Just let your skin heal
- And stay hydrated.
Clean Your Skin
After doing a microneedling procedure, your skin will heal itself by producing collagen and you must keep this area clean to achieve maximum results.
But avoid washing your face with a deep face wash or any similar skincare products as it can irritate your skin.
Rather opt for lukewarm water and gently dab your face dry.
This removes excess oil and microparticles which allows your skin to repair more effectively.
Just Let Your Skin Heal On Its Own
This happens all the time where patients use different creams and oils to fight redness which results in a reduced inflammatory response and less healing.
Think of this redness as your friend. It’s almost like microbleeds.
Your skin is healing from the microholes caused by the microneedling procedure.
And the more you interfere with this process, the less visible your skin improvements will be.
Stay Hydrated
We are made of 60% water so it should be obvious that we must stay hydrated, but people rarely make it a priority.
After the microneedling process, your skin will be drier than usual so do yourself a favor and give it the liquid it needs to heal.
Personally, I aim for 2 liters of water spread evenly throughout the day.
Now that we know the basics of what to do after a microneedling procedure, let’s find out what products are allowed to go on our faces.
What Should I Put On My Skin After Microneedling
While you want to keep your face away from most skin-care products since they’ll cause more harm than good, there are a few products that can speed up healing and make you look even better.
These products include;
- Collagen stimulating peptides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Face masks
- Moisturizer
- And a light cleanser.
Collagen Stimulating Peptides
The whole point of a microneedle procedure is to encourage your skin to produce more collagen since it’s known to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and increase blood flow.
And applying collagen cream to your skin after a microneedle procedure will further stimulate this process, making your skin firmer and more rejuvenated.
Hyaluronic Acid
You might be thinking, “there’s no way I’m putting an acid on my face, especially after doing a microneedle procedure”.
But hyaluronic acid sounds way scarier than it is.
Our bodies actually produce hyaluronic acid naturally to retain moisture in our skin and eyes.
But the problem is, we produce less and less as we age, and using a cream acts as a substitute.
Remember, after a microneedle, your skin will be dry, so applying hyaluronic acid to your skin can do wonders.
Face Masks
The purpose of microneedle therapy is to trigger an inflammatory response from your body and this can cause redness.
But if you need to go somewhere important like a job interview or date, then that red look won’t impress anyone.
This is where face masks can save your life.
Get one of those cold gel packs and put it on your skin where the redness is most visible.
This will reduce redness and cool your skin down.
Use Coconut Oil As A Moisturizer
I’m starting to think you can use coconut oil for literally everything.
Cooking, baking, skincare, and even dental care.
But it also works wonders as a skin moisturizer.
If you’re struggling with dry skin after your microneedle procedure, applying coconut oil and hyaluronic acid to your skin regularly will ensure that it’s always moisturized.
Light Cleanser
You always want to wash your face with non-acidic products.
Products that contain vitamin C or retinol will burn and irritate your skin.
It’s an overall bad experience.
Instead, opt for a natural aloe vera cleanser as it’ll clear up your pores while being gentle.
Also, avoid deep cleansers because they can damage your skin after a microneedle.
What Should I Avoid After Microneedling?
Now that we’ve covered what products will help rejuvenate your skin after a microneedle, let’s go through some things to avoid.
These include;
- Exfoliation
- Specific harmful ingredients
- And prolonged sun exposure
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the removal of old, dead skin cells on your skin’s surface.
Naturally, these products are harsh and if you’re not careful, they can damage your skin, especially after microneedling when your skin is super sensitive and red.
This also creates unnecessary irritation on the surface of your skin which slows down the healing process.
Instead, opt for a face wash that’s gentle and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients.
Specific Harmful Ingredients
Before using any product on your face after a microneedle, check the label to see if it contains the following ingredients;
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- And Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
All these products will burn when you apply them, and they irritate your skin further.
Always read the label carefully and apply products that don’t contain these ingredients.
Avoid The Sun
If you have to go outside, put on a cap or hat and try to avoid direct contact with the sun for at least 5 days after your microneedle procedure.
A Few Bonus Tips
Sleep More After Your Microneedle
The days after a microneedle procedure, prioritize your sleep.
Try to get 8 hours of sleep a night since it’ll give your body the rest needed to not only repair your damaged skin but other functions as well.
Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods
This is the fuel your body needs to repair itself.
Without nutrients, your body will fall apart. And after a microneedle, you’ll need extra nutrients to repair your skin and produce collagen.
My favorite nutrient-dense foods are:
- Beef liver
- Salmon
- Eggs
- And fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion
Microneedling is a procedure that can help most skin conditions like wrinkles and dark spots.
But how you treat your skin afterward is more important than the microneedling itself.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to glowing even-toned skin.